FAQS

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Q: What is the East Liberty Family Health Care Center (ELFHCC)?

A: ELFHCC is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), a unique nonprofit primary care facility that is able to provide a wide array of services to underserved areas of the state. The main purpose of the FQHC Program is to enhance the provision of quality primary care services in medically-underserved urban and rural communities regardless of age, race, creed, sex, national origin or ability to pay.

The FQHC benefit under Medicare was added effective October 1, 1991. FQHCs are safety net providers that primarily engage in providing services typically furnished in an outpatient clinic. FQHCs include community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless centers, public housing primary care centers, and outpatient health programs or facilities operated by a tribe or tribal organization or by an urban Indian organization.

Q: Are services at ELFHCC free?

A: We welcome private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and self-pay plans. Although our services are not free, we are open to all, regardless of their ability to pay. As an FQHC, we serve as a primary care center that offers high quality medical care to everyone, with or without health insurance. We offer a sliding fee scale with discounts based on patient family size and income in accordance with federal poverty guidelines for those without insurance. We encourage all uninsured patients to apply for our sliding fee scale.

Q: What if I can’t afford my medical bills?

A: We will be happy to help you manage your medical bills. You are encouraged to call our billing team at 412-361-5789 to discuss structured payment plans and other options that may work for your specific financial situation.

Q: What insurances do you accept?

A: Almost all insurances. Please call your insurance company to verify network status.

Q: How do I become a new patient?

A: ELFHCC is always excited to accept new medical and dental patients. Please contact the office to make an appointment with one of our doctors. You may chose a primary care physician from our list of physicians on our website. You should check with your insurance carrier to verify that the primary care physician you choose is covered under your plan.

Q: Do you offer a sliding fee scale at both Dental Centers?

A: Yes, we offer a sliding fee scale with discounts based on patient family size and income in accordance with federal poverty guidelines for those without insurance. We encourage all uninsured patients to apply for our sliding fee scale.

Q: What type of dental treatment do you provide?

A: We provide dental treatment for both children and adults. Services include filings, extractions, dentures, crowns, and root canals.

Q: Are the Dental Centers open on Saturday?

A: No.

Q: What hospital(s) do you admit to?

A: Our physicians round at UPMC Shadyside and Magee hospitals. If you are admitted to a different hospital, you will be under the care of that hospital’s physicians until you are discharged, at which time we will resume your care.

Q: Does my insurance cover a certain procedure?

A: Since all insurance carriers are different, you should contact your PCP or your insurance carrier.

Q: I’m self-pay and I received a bill from Quest. How should I go about paying for it?

A: Contact one of our Benefits Eligibility Coordinator’s (BEC) by selecting the * prompt for “if you have no insurance or want information on the Affordable Care Act”. Or contact Quest Diagnostics directly to see about setting up payment arrangements.

Q: Is ELFHCC part of UPMC or Allegheny Health Network?

A: Neither, we are independent

Q: Does ELFHCC have walk-in hours?

A: Yes, but not for new patient visits

Q: Does ELFHCC have parking?

A: Yes, we have limited free parking